In time for the holidays, Orinoka Civic House fills 51 affordable units with individuals and families

PHILADELPHIA: Orinoka Civic House-—the $17.8 million overhaul of the former Orinoka Mills factory in Kensington by New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) -—has rented out all 51 units of affordable housing, after initially struggling to fill openings listed at 50 and 60 percent Area Median Income (AMI).

Residents have already taken part in various community activities. In the spirit of the holidays, residents and NKCDC hosted two Thanksgiving week potlucks to welcome the new neighbors and celebrate the Orinoka community. Last month, residents participated in a volunteer day with TD Bank to plant trees around the building's perimeter.

"The residents who have been here since July mostly know everyone's faces, and they're excited to get to know their neighbors," said Renee Horst, Resident Services Coordinator for NKCDC. Horst works closely with residents to support the growing community by helping plan social activities, spreading the word on neighborhood opportunities, and connecting individuals with social support services.

NKCDC also encourages residents to participate in the broader neighborhood conversation by attending local events, such as Somerset Neighbors for Better Living civic association meetings at the nearby Rock Ministries.

In addition to affordable housing, Orinoka offers an indoor, shared meeting area, a small commercial space, and room for NKCDC's main offices. NKCDC hopes the mixed-use concept will serve as a hub for community-oriented programs and activities.

"I'm looking forward to seeing how this community will grow and define itself," Horst said.

Applications for the apartments, tailored to families making between 20 and 60 percent AMI, are still being accepted for the waitlist. They are available online at orinokacivichouse.com/apartments and at Coral Street Arts House, 2446 Coral Street, Philadelphia, PA 19125.

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ABOUT NKCDC New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) strengthens the physical, social, and economic fabric of Kensington, Port Richmond and Fishtown by being a catalyst for sustainable development and community building. NKCDC is part of the NeighborWorks network, an affiliation of more than 240 nonprofit organizations located in every state, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. The NeighborWorks network was founded and is supported by NeighborWorks America, which creates opportunities for people to live in affordable homes, improve their lives, and strengthen their communities. For more information, visit nkcdc.org.

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PRESS CONTACT
Shawn Sheu
214.427.0350 x107
ssheu@nkcdc.org

On October20, residents planted trees around the perimeter of Orinoka with volunteers from TD Bank.